Written by Dr.Deyn Natthakhet Yaemim (Founding Director) on 6 June 2015
STD Test & Trest
What is "Test & Treat"?
"TEST & TREAT" is a PULSE Clinic's campaign to provide up-to-date international standard testing methods for STIs/STDs. Over 70% of people who become infected with an STD/STI are unaware and have no symptoms, this is called being asymptomatic. Please be aware that there are some less accurate and cheaper methods of sexual health testing available in Asian cities which we DO NOT provide or recommend. Often these inferior testing methods can lead to false negative results.
What is the Difference Between an STI & an STD?
An STI which stands for sexually transmitted infection is a little different from an STD which is a sexually transmitted disease. It is the infection (STI) that leads to the disease (STD). They are commonly known to mean the same thing but many STIs show no symptoms, so you may not know if you are infected and will not progress into a disease. That is why it is important to regularly screen for STIs or STDs, whatever you may wish to call them.
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What are the Benefits of Test & Treat at PULSE Clinic?
- We are experienced and specialized in STI/STD diagnosis, treatment, and care.
- Our Medical Practitioner has over 10 years’ experience.
- Our care is highly confidential & discreet in a relaxed friendly environment.
- We have 45,000 patients from more than 130 countries.
- We are the first private clinic in Thailand to provide PCR DNA testing for HIV and 12 STIs/STDs as well as & 15-minute rapid testing for HIV, hepatitis A B C, and Syphilis.
- You can get same-day, walk-in care.
- You can book an appointment online and save even more time.
- In 2021 we have 11 branches in Bangkok, Phuket, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur and we offer online to offline service and home delivery.
- Our doctors are speakers at leading conferences worldwide.
- We are the leader in providing the service without stigma to STI /STD testing and treatment, in case you're concerned, don't be, because we are a general practice others won't know why you're visiting.
- Testing is affordable, up-to-date and accurate.
What is Asymptomatic Infection?
Research indicates that Asymptomatic infection is someone who has been infected with the STIs but never developed symptoms throughout their disease. Still, since they have infections (bacteria, viruses, protozoa) in their body, they can pass on to other people.
Why is STD Test & Treat So Important?
As mentioned, people with asymptomatic infections do not know they are infected and can pass on the infection to other people without knowing. Everyone who is sexually active should have a concern about their sexual health. If left unchecked, STIs/STDs can damage not only both male and female reproductive systems but some STDs can lead to brain destruction, immune system destruction, and death.
It is reported in the USA that nearly 25,000 women a year become infertile because of STIs / STDs. Generally, contracting an STD will not cause infertility or reproductive problems. But when a sexually transmitted disease is not treated it leads to a high risk of reproductive damage. Therefore, TEST&TREAT is so important. The importance of your sexual health must be a priority as sexually transmitted infections & diseases are on the rise in many countries worldwide.
What are the Most Common STIs / STDs?
Listed below are some of the most common STIs / STDs, their symptoms, and treatments.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial STI / STD and is the number one cause of infertility in the United States. If chlamydia is left untreated it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can permanently damage a woman’s reproductive system. Up to 70% of those who have chlamydia do not have symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose without an accurate test. This is why regular testing is so important. Chlamydia can infect your urethra, tonsil glands, rectal tissue, eye, and your skin. People who do have symptoms of chlamydia, may experience:
• Discharge from the vagina or penis with or without painful urination
• Mouth, Throat, Eye, Rectum, Skin and Urethral infection
• A fever
Chlamydial DNA can be detected on urine samples, painless throat/anal/vaginal swab with PCR DNA Test Multiplex. The correct type of antibiotics can treat chlamydia (which you can get at PULSE clinics). If you do require treatment for chlamydia your partner will too. Otherwise, you may contract it again.
Our STD PCR Multiplex test offers advanced technology to detect up to 28 infections, including Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Herpes Simplex, Trichomonas, and Candida strains, all in one test. It can identify infections in various anatomical areas, such as the throat, urethra, anorectal region, vagina, cervix, sperm, and skin lesions. For urethral infections, the Urine PCR is recommended, while the Throat Swab PCR is ideal after oral sex. Anal Swab PCR is advised for unprotected anal sex, and the Vaginal Swab PCR is recommended for vaginal sex, with staff guidance available for all tests.
PCR for 28 Infections (STD Multiplex)
| Online results |
Same day** | Next day | 3 days | 7 days |
Throat | 14,000 THB | 11,600 THB | 10,480 THB | 9,200 THB |
Urine | 14,000 THB | 11,600 THB | 10,480 THB | 9,200 THB |
Anal Swab | 14,000 THB | 11,600 THB | 10,480 THB | 9,200 THB |
Vaginal Swab | 14,000 THB | 11,600 THB | 10,480 THB | 9,200 THB |
Cervical Swab | 14,000 THB | 11,600 THB | 10,480 THB | 9,200 THB |
Sperm | 14,800 THB | 12,640 THB | 11,600 THB | 10,080 THB |
Skin Lesion Swab | 14,000 THB | 11,600 THB | 10,480 THB | 9,200 THB |
Pooling | 15,600 THB | 13,280 THB | 12,400 THB | 10,800 THB |
PCR for 2 Infections (Gonorrhea/Chlamydia) | Same day | Next day | 3 days | 7 days |
Throat | 5,690 THB | 4,990 THB | 3,990 THB | 3,300 THB |
Urine | 5,690 THB | 4,990 THB | 3,990 THB | 3,300 THB |
Vaginal and Cervical Swab | 5,690 THB | 4,990 THB | 3,990 THB | 3,300 THB |
Rectal Swab | 5,690 THB | 4,990 THB | 3,990 THB | 3,300 THB |
Sperm* | 6,200 THB | 5,150 THB | 4,100 THB
| 3,690 THB
|
Skin lesion Swab | 5,690 THB | 4,990 THB | 3,990 THB | 3,300 THB |
All PULSE Clinics in Thailand provide the most comprehensive PCR Tests for 28 infections
to give you peace of mind and fast treatment
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea which is also spelled gonorrhea is another bacterial STD that often occurs at the same time as chlamydia. That's why any national medical treatment guideline would recommend treatment for both Gonorrhea and Chlamydia at the same time if symptoms are present. Gonorrhea can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease, so early treatment is important. Like chlamydia, most people won’t have symptoms (asymptomatic infections) but if they do, they may experience:
• Discharge from the vagina or penis
• Difficult or painful urination
• Mouth, throat, and eye infections
• Women sometimes experience bleeding between periods
Gonorrhea can cause infertility in both women and men.
DNA of Gonorrhea can be detected on urine samples, and painless throat/anal/vaginal swabs with PCR DNA Test Multiplex. A single dose of the correct antibiotics will treat gonorrhea.
Our STD PCR Multiplex is a cutting-edge test that detects 21 infections, including Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, LGV, HSV-1, HSV-2, Trichomonas, various Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma species, CMV, VZV, and seven Candida species. It identifies infections in locations such as the throat, oral cavity, urethra, anorectal area, vagina, cervix, sperm, and skin lesions. Testing options include URINE PCR for urethra and urinary tract infections, THROAT SWAB PCR for oral infections, ANAL SWAB PCR for those engaging in unprotected anal sex, and VAGINAL SWAB PCR for vaginal sex. Staff assistance is provided for swabs.
PCR for 21 Infections (STD Multiplex)
| Online results |
Same day | Next day | 3 days | 7 days |
Throat | 14,500 THB | 10,500 THB | 8,600 THB | 7,600 THB |
Urine | 14,500 THB | 10,500 THB | 8,600 THB | 7,600 THB |
Anal Swab | 14,500 THB | 10,500 THB | 8,600 THB | 7,600 THB |
Vaginal Swab | 14,500 THB | 10,500 THB | 8,600 THB | 7,600 THB |
Cervical Swab | 14,500 THB | 10,500 THB | 8,600 THB | 7,600 THB |
Sperm | 15,000 THB | 11,000 THB | 9,600 THB | 8,600 THB |
Skin Lesion Swab | 14,500 THB | 10,500 THB | 8,600 THB | 7,600 THB |
PCR for 2 Infections (Gonorrhea/Chlamydia) | Same day | Next day | 3 days | 7 days |
Throat | 5,390 THB | 4,750 THB | 3,790 THB | 3,150 THB |
Urine | 5,390 THB | 4,750 THB | 3,790 THB | 3,150 THB |
Vaginal and Cervical Swab | 5,390 THB | 4,750 THB | 3,790 THB | 3,150 THB |
Rectal Swab | 5,390 THB | 4,750 THB | 3,790 THB | 3,150 THB |
Sperm* | 5,900 THB | 4,900 THB | 3,790 THB
| 3,150 THB
|
Skin lesion Swab | - | - | - | - |
- Prices are in Thai Baht
- Price per one location of testing
- Online results will be available at PULSE Online Portal (POP) and E-Doc mobile application
- For semen/sperm specimens, please avoid all sexual activity that results in ejaculating semen/sperm for 2 - 7 days before providing the sample.
Genital Herpes
Another common STI / STD is Herpes which many people do not know they have as it can often present no symptoms at all. The only visible symptoms are blisters around the genitals, mouth, or anywhere on your body with thin skin. It can be caused by two different strains of the herpes simplex virus: HSV type 1 (HSV-1) or HSV type 2 (HSV-2).
Herpes type 1 and type 2 DNA can be detected on urine samples, and painless throat/anal/vaginal swabs with PCR DNA Test Multiplex. The majority of genital herpes cases are caused by HSV-2 and to date there is no cure but PULSE CLINICs provide medicine to control the herpes outbreaks which can decrease the chances of passing it on to a sexual partner.
Our STD PCR Multiplex is an advanced test that detects 14 infections in various locations, including Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Chancroid, LGV, HSV-1, HSV-2, Trichomonas, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, CMV, and VZV. It can identify infections in the throat, oral cavity, urethra, anorectal area, vagina, cervix, sperm, and skin lesions.
PCR for 14 Infections (STD Multiplex)
| Online results |
Same day | Next day | 3 days | 7 days |
Throat | 6,000 THB | 5,600 THB | 4,000 THB | 3,760 THB |
Urine | 6,000 THB | 5,600 THB | 4,000 THB | 3,760 THB |
Anal Swab | 6,000 THB | 5,600 THB | 4,000 THB | 3,760 THB |
Vaginal Swab | 6,000 THB | 5,600 THB | 4,000 THB | 3,760 THB |
Cervical Swab | 6,000 THB | 5,600 THB | 4,000 THB | 3,760 THB |
Sperm | 6,320 THB | 5,840 THB | 4,400 THB | 4,080 THB |
Skin Lesion Swab | 6,000 THB | 5,600 THB | 4,000 THB | 3,760 THB |
Pooled Swab | 7,600 THB | 6,960 THB | 6,640 THB | 6,240 THB |
PCR for 2 Infections (Gonorrhea/Chlamydia) | Same day | Next day | 3 days | 7 days |
Throat | 5,690 THB | 4,990 THB | 3,990 THB | 3,300 THB |
Urine | 5,690 THB | 4,990 THB | 3,990 THB | 3,300 THB |
Vaginal and Cervical Swab | 5,690 THB | 4,990 THB | 3,990 THB | 3,300 THB |
Rectal Swab | 5,690 THB | 4,990 THB | 3,990 THB | 3,300 THB |
Skin lesion Swab | 5,690 THB | 4,990 THB | 3,990 THB | 3,300 THB |
Sperm | 6,200 THB | 5,150 THB | 4,100 THB | 3,690 THB |
Pooled Swab | 6,990 THB | 6,400 THB | 5,790 THB | 4,590 THB |
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is the most prevalent STI / STD 50% of sexually active people will catch HPV at some point in their life. Because there are over 40 types of HPV, it is difficult to diagnose a particular strain. The variety of strains of HPV can cause:
• Genital warts
• Mouth and throat infections
• Cancers of the cervix, vulva, anus, penis, and mouth
The Human Papillomavirus cannot be cured but can be treated. It’s important to know that there is a vaccine that can help prevent HPV, including cancers and genital warts caused by HPV. You can get the HPV vaccine, as well as many other vaccinations at our clinic in Bangkok, Phuket, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.
HPV testing detects high-risk types of the human papillomavirus associated with cervical cancer. It's often done alongside a PAP smear, especially for women over 30, using cervical cell samples.
Item | HPV DNA Hybribio 21 Genoarray for Women | HPV DNA Hybribio 21 Genoarray for Men |
Specimen collection | • Cervical PAP smear • Anal PAP smear | • Anal PAP smear • Urethral PAP smear • Urine Specimen |
Genotype tested | 21 Types • High risk: 16,18,31,33,35,39,45,51, 52,53,56,58,59,66,68 • Low risk: 6,11,42,43,44,81 (CP8304) | 21 Types • High risk: 16,18,31,33,35,39,45,51, 52,53,56,58,59,66,68 • Low risk: 6,11,42,43,44,81 (CP8304) |
Waiting time & Price | 10 working days 4150 THB | • Urine HPV DNA 21 3550THB - 15 working days • Anal PAP smear HPV DNA 21 • Urethral PAP smear HPV DNA 21 4150THB - 10 working days |
Doctor Examination | Included | Included |
Doctor fee | Included | 800 THB |
Add-on ThinPrep test | - | 1550 THB |
*** Please make an appointment in advance for your convenience and speed of getting the examination
Syphilis
Another STI / STD that can cause serious long-term health issues is Syphilis. It’s normally contracted and transmitted through direct contact with open sores. The number of cases worldwide has been increasing over the past years, making it a major concern. Depending on the stage of infection, Syphilis symptoms may include:
• Small, painless sores in or around the penis, testes, vagina, anus, mouth, or skin.
• A rash, especially on the palms of hands and soles of feet
• Fever, Fatigue
• Swollen lymph glands
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Weight loss
DNA of bacteria that causes syphilis can be detected on urine samples, and painless throat/anal/vaginal swabs with PCR DNA Test Multiplex. If diagnosed early Syphilis may be treated with the correct type of antibiotics.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Aka BV is a particularly common vaginal infection in women. It occurs when there is an imbalance of good & bad bacteria in the body. Women who have new or multiple sexual partners, and those that douche are more likely to have BV. New bacteria that enter the vagina can cause BV. Signs of Bacterial Vaginosis are:
• Vaginal itching or burning
• Discharge which is thin & milky with a fishy odor
• Painful urination
The correct antibiotics will clear Bacterial Vaginosis. Treatment is exceedingly important as it can increase the risk of contracting other STIs / STDs, and can cause birth defects such as preterm labor, premature birth, and lower birth weight babies.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis affects mainly women but not only. A lot of men and gay men can contract trichomoniasis too, many will not experience any symptoms but are ready to pass on the infection to other people. Symptoms of trichomoniasis are:
• Painful urination
• Penis lesions
• Green or yellow frothy vaginal discharge
• Labia & vulva swelling
Trichomonas DNA can be detected on a urine sample, or painless throat/anal/vaginal swab with PCR DNA Test Multiplex. Trichomoniasis can be treated with the correct antibiotics. Reinfection is very common, so everyone must get treated who has had sex with an infected person.
Viral Hepatitis (Hepatitis B)
Hepatitis A, B, and C are viruses that can be caught through sexual contact, but Hepatitis B is the most common. It is also the most common cause of liver cancer. Like other several other STIs / STDs, viral hepatitis often does not show symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they can be very serious. Symptoms include:
• Liver enlargement
• Rash
• Fever
• Cloudy or dark urine
• Fatigue
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
Hepatitis B can be prevented by a vaccination available at PULSE clinics. But if Hep B is contracted, in the majority of cases antiviral medications can treat it. PULSE Clinics also provide a full course of curative treatment for Hepatitis C, please contact our clinics for more details.
It is so important to remember that pregnant women who contract an STI/ STD can pass it on to their child. If you’re pregnant and believe you may have an STI / STD, you should contact us as soon as possible for testing and treatment.